The affinities of Homo antecessor – a review of craniofacial features and their taxonomic validity

Abstract

The phylogenetic affinities of Homo antecessor, a hominin dating from the early Middle Pleistocene of Europe, are still unclear. In this study we conducted a comprehensive review of the TD6 hypodigm within the context of the historical development of paleoanthropological issues concerning this species. H. antecessor, based on all available craniofacial features to date, displays a midfacial morphology very similar to specimens attributed to Classic Homo erectus, suggesting that H. antecessor is the geographical European variant of Classic H. erectus.

Keywords

• atapuerca
• early homo
• homo erectus
• homo antecessor
• midfacial morphology
• middle pleistocene